Tips for Conducting a Yard-Moving-Garage Sale


by Vali Heist - Date: 2007-01-23 - Word Count: 410 Share This!

Yard sales are a great way to recycle your "stuff" and allow others to give it new life. Remember: one person's junk is another person's treasure! Here are some tips to maximize the impact of your yard/garage/moving sale!

Yard Sale Basics:
• Set up in your driveway, garage or on the lawn. Look for large flea markets in your area that allow families to set up their own tables.
• Take the time to clean your dusty/dirty items so they look desirable again.
• Use pre-priced tags available at stores. Price ALL items low, but fair and do this ahead of time (if in new condition, price at Ό to 1/3 of what it would sell for new); price all large items; group small items on tables with one set price for all; reduce prices at noon.
• Use tables to display items (not the ground); set up by price/type of item.
• Clothing looks great and sells best on racks and grouped by categories.
• Sell food such as coffee, doughnuts, lemonade or cans of soda. During a multifamily yard sale, food brings people to your table.

Yard Sale Advertising:
• Post large, bright, waterproof signs at least four days ahead of time. List date and arrow pointing the direction.
• Send an advertisement to your local newspaper (Reading Eagle, 610-376-1527) and the Merchandiser at 610-670-2595.
• Start as early as possible for early birds. Early shoppers are more serious and willing to spend money.
• Encourage your neighbors to have a multifamily yard sale, especially in a development. Split the cost of the ad.
• List your location first. This is how many shoppers plan their day.
• Start as early as possible (early birds can come at 6:30!) and end at 1-2 p.m. One day is best.
• List attention grabbing items: unusual antiques, big items, use "bargain".
• Provide directions if necessary.

Get the kids involved! • Engage your children by having them selling their own items or staff the food table.
• It's a fun learning experience and you can allow them to use the money for their own spending or donate the money to their favorite charity.
• Use the money for a family treat or buy an item the whole family can use such as a camera, DVD player, recreational equipment, or a family outing.
After it's over: Box up the remaining items, make a list of the items, estimate the market value, and take directly to a nonprofit agency. Use the receipt for your taxes. Don't put your items back in the house!


Related Tags: garage, moving, sale, organizing, donate, recycle, yard

By Vali G. Heist, Owner-The Clutter Crew http://www.thecluttercrew.com "Organize your home…take control of your life!"

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